Graphic Design

Course Information

Program Overview

Assumption graphic design students learn to effectively communicate by combining form, content, and information to accomplish a goal. The graphic design program is a collaboration between the art and business departments and covers typography, web design, photography, drawing, illustration, motion graphic design, and marketing. Students also gain a thorough knowledge of the latest design software and technology.

Graphic Design uses a range of traditional media along with the latest computerized design programs and equipment. Students develop a strong base of knowledge regarding design principles and the skills that bring design to life.

Opportunities outside the classroom

Art Club: The club organizes art projects on and off campus, visits to museums and critiques of student work.

Graphic design club: This group works to improve the overall aesthetic quality of campus publications, as well as give students interested in design a place to meet and talk about upcoming

contests, critique one another's work and discuss historical and contemporary design.

Internships:Students have had internships for credit at places like the Worcester Art Museum, Davis Publications, Preservation Worcester and

Museum Action Corps.

Major in Graphic Design

The Major in Graphic Design is a 14 course (42 credits) major with 12 required courses and two electives. Upon completing the major, you will be prepared for entry into the professional field as a graphic designer, and/or continue your education in graduate school.

Minor in Graphic Design

To earn a minor in Graphic Design, students complete 7 courses (21 credits). This minor provides students with a solid background that can be applied in professional positions from museum work to publishing.

University of Massachusetts Medical School Library (2006), Worcester, MA

Center for Maine Contemporary Art (2005), Rockport, ME

Institute of Contemporary Art (2003), Portland, ME

Courses

ARD 115 GRAPHIC DESIGN I: FORM & CONTENT This course will offer an introduction to graphic design and visual communication. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of design as well as critical analysis and visual problem solving skills. The interrelationship between visual and verbal communication will be explored along with the study of typography. The computer application Adobe Illustrator will be used as a tool for design in this course. A working knowledge of basic Macintosh computer skills will be helpful but not necessary. Studio Fee: $115.00. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Staff/Three credits

ARD 175 INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY This project-based studio course serves as an introduction to digital photography as it applies to the fine arts. Students will explore technical and aesthetic foundations of photography through the latest digital technology. Digital cameras, scanning, and image manipulation software will be covered as well as an examination of the history of photography and its role as a form of artistic expression. We will also read and discuss critical issues in photography and the history of photography. Students will be responsible for purchasing specialized paper and a Studio Fee of $175.00 This course does NOT satisfy the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre, or in Culture and Expression. Glushien/Three credits

ARD 215 GRAPHIC DESIGN II: MEANING & MESSAGING This class offers a continuation of Graphic Design I. Students will further explore the use of typographic symbols as a crucial element to design. Design history and critical issues in design will be explored. Students will work on a series of projects that emphasize visual expression, composition, and problem solving. The computer application Adobe Illustrator will be used. Adobe InDesign will be introduced. Studio Fee: $100. Prerequisite: ARD 115.
Glushien, Simmons/Three credits

ARD 216 ILLUSTRATION This class is an overview of basic illustration techniques geared to the needs of the graphic designer. Assigned projects will cover the use of pen and ink, acrylic paint and the digital media programs Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The class will focus on pictorial communication and exposure to various genres of illustration. Strong design from conceptualization through execution is stressed. Studio Fee $50.00. Prerequisite: ART 101 or ARD 115. Grady/Three credits

ARD 217 TYPOGRAPHY This course covers principles of typeface selection and the use of typographical grids as well as families of type and historical usage. Typographical assignments are presented through themed projects. A variety of basic layouts and formats is introduced. Exercises are geared to develop sensitivity to the integration of typography with a variety of visual imagery. There is an emphasis on concept development and on the cultural associations of various typefaces. Students will be encouraged to integrate ideas and interests from other areas of study in their exploration of the expressive possibilities of type. Prerequisite: ARD 115
Glushien, Simmons/Three credits

ARD 275 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY II This course is a continuation of the study of digital photography as it applies to the fine arts. Students will gain a solid working knowledge of the process and context of photography in the fine art world. This is a studio course in which we will expand our expertise with Adobe Photoshop, advanced camera functions and sophisticated printing techniques. However, the main focus will be on the content and meaning of our photographs. Classes will consist of demonstrations, discussion of readings, printing, lectures, and weekly critiques. We will be creating an increasingly complex visual language through emotional and physical concentration and open-minded observation. Our photographs will not simply focus on appearances—they will become expressions and metaphors of life itself. Students will be responsible for purchasing specialized paper and a Studio Fee of $175.00. Prerequisite: ARD 175 Glushien/Three credits

ARD 299, 399, 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GRAPHIC DESIGNEach of these numbers designates a specific level of specialized study on a relevant topic that has been designed by the student in conjunction with a faculty member. Permission of Chair required.
Staff/Three credits

ARD 300 INTERNSHIP IN GRAPHIC DESIGN This course enables students to apply their academic knowledge and analytical skills in professional settings while earning academic credit. Students complete an internship (minimum 120 hours, paid or unpaid) and attend weekly seminar/classroom sessions to discuss and share observations about their internships. All students document their daily internship activity using a Blackboard log, and complete an online portfolio and resumé using LinkedIn and Behance. The semester culminates with an online portfolio/journal that documents workplace activity and reflects on the process of applying the design skills learned in the classroom. (Spring)
Italiano Perla/Three credits

ARD 315 GRAPHIC DESIGN III: ADVANCED STRATEGIES Each student will develop a visual vocabulary through assigned readings, class discussion, projects, and through experimentation. This will set the groundwork that reinforces one’s critical, analytical, and perceptual skills. This course will present students with a variety of complex design problems. Students will apply their growing knowledge of the interaction between typography and other visual forms to these specific problems. Research and methodology are vital components of this course and of design in general, and their importance will be stressed. Students will undertake a variety of design projects, as well as a class presentation on a designer of historical importance. Studio Fee $100.00. Prerequisite: ARD 215.

ARD 317 MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN Visual design and technical strategies will be developed to effectively work with moving type and images in a timeline, from storyboards through production to distribution. The history of moving images and motion graphic design will be introduced to support contemporary theories and practices. Working with time-based, sequential processes will increase visual communication strategies and conceptual abilities, while developing skills needed to convey information as successfully as possible. Being able to create animated graphics, kinetic typography, and video projects, as well as work with sound, will help students to better prepare for an ever-expanding graphic design field. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro will be used. Prerequisite: ARD 215 or permission of instructor. Simmons/Three credits

ARD 318 GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR THE WEB This course introduces students to graphic design for website creation. Students will learn to think critically about web design and apply basic conceptual design principles to website development. The focus of the course will be applying design elements such as color, typography, layout, the grid and hierarchal design to the technological aspect of web design. While the aesthetics of web design will be of primary importance, the technological process will also be studied. Students will learn the latest web languages such as HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript, develop concepts for web sites, and follow a design process in realizing them. Research and methodology are vital components of this course. Each student will develop two website design projects, as well as a number of smaller design projects. One of these projects will cover embedding animation, movies, and sound into a web site. At the end of this course students will have a working knowledge of web design, and will be able to build and host a site of their own. Prerequisites: ARD 115 and ARD 215 or 217.
Italiano Perla/Three credits

ARD 352 SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN Special topics in graphic design are offered occasionally. These courses respond to special interests evinced by students, outgrowths of topics addressed in an intermediate course, or interests of the faculty. Staff/Three credits

ARD 401 SENIOR SEMINAR IN GRAPHIC DESIGN The seminar, offered in the Spring semester, is devoted to an advanced project in Graphic Design as a culmination of a program of study for the major in Graphic Design. This project is completed by an exhibition of student work. Students are responsible for materials related to their senior project and a Studio Fee of $75.00
Glushien/Three credits

In addition, there are other interesting electives available through Assumption College’s participation in the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts. Assumption students can cross register for courses at 11 other institutions in the Worcester region.

Internships & Outcomes

Internships

Students may participate in the College’s internship programs and spend a semester gaining practical experience. There are two types of internships. Students can earn academic credit by working with an academic advisor and the internship site. Or students may participate in a career internship, which provides valuable experience but does not offer academic credit. This type of internship may be paid or unpaid and it generally occurs during or following junior year.

Our students have held internships in variety of organizations:

City of Worcester - Office of Neighborhoods and Eonomic Development

Smith Barney (now MorganStanley SmithBarney)

Worcester Art Museum

Davis Publications

Preservation Worcester

Museum Action Corps

The Graphic Design program is excellent preparation for a variety of fields in a corporate, agency, or nonprofit setting, including:

"Assumption has been the number one reason I continue to grow and succeed at my internship. I’ve had the opportunity to obtain a wide range of experiences in visual arts, graphic design and marketing. My internship supervisor has showed me how business and graphic design function together in a business."

Aubrey Lovejoy
Graphic Design '16
Intern at Pagio, Inc.

"At my internship I am learning what it’s like to work for a magazine and work around a deadline. I am helping to create ads, update the online magazine and promote the magazine through the use of different types of social media. I feel very confident at my internship because of the classes I've taken."

"Assumption College has given me the programing skills and visual eye needed to succeed at my internship, where I’ve learned to work as an individual, prioritize projects and estimate the amount of time needed to complete a project. This internship has given me the confidence to believe in myself and my skills."

Cassandra Waung Graphic Design'15Graphic Design Intern at the Assumption College Office of Communications

"There are so many wonderful opportunities to take advantage of here at Assumption. The classes and extracurricular activities that I have become involved with have all contributed to my growth and confidence as a person. My internship at the Office of Communications has taught me about how graphic designers work and interact in real office settings. The knowledge and skills that I have gained through my experiences have all contributed to my success and have made my Assumption experience an enriching one."

Careers

The Graphic Design program is excellent preparation for a variety of fields in a corporate, agency, or nonprofit setting, including:

IT Intern for the Infrastructure Technology Organization Group at The Hanover

I am responsible for assisting with projects that involve the Infrastructure Technology Organization at The Hanover. I am working with many different types of databases within the organization, making reports and gathering the necessary requirements to upgrade these databases.

Erin Dougherty

Graphic Design and Marketing '17

Internship: Sales Marketing Intern with BlueSky Capital Partners, LLC

Through this internship, I have had the opportunity to be involved in all areas of an e-commerce company. I was able to work hands on with everything from website management to billing and shipping. I have gained practical experience in the field and have been able to build both my organization and communication skills.

Rebecca Oliveira

Graphic Design '16

Internship: World Wide Planning Intern at EMC

While at EMC, I had the opportunity to work in Ireland for one week. This was a great learning experience! I got to meet individuals I had collaborated with virtually. It was amazing to see how the work environment is different from the United States. I was able to share some strategies with them that are used in the United States to help globalize the planning operations at EMC.

Breanna Papalia

Graphic Design '15

Graphic Design Intern for the Assumption College Athletics and Recreation Department

"Assumption College has given me the programing skills and visual eye needed to succeed at my internship, where I’ve learned to work as an individual, prioritize projects and estimate the amount of time needed to complete a project. This internship has given me the confidence to believe in myself and my skills."

Aubrey Lovejoy

Graphic Design '16

Intern at Pagio, Inc.

"At my internship I am learning what it’s like to work for a magazine and work around a deadline. I am helping to create ads, update the online magazine and promote the magazine through the use of different types of social media. I feel very confident at my internship because of the classes I've taken."

Chantal James

Graphic Design and Studio Art '15

Graphic Design Intern at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

"Assumption has been the number one reason I continue to grow and succeed at my internship. I’ve had the opportunity to obtain a wide range of experiences in visual arts, graphic design and marketing. My internship supervisor has showed me how business and graphic design function together in a business."